LONDON STADIUM ICONS // MARO ITOJE

London Stadium were able to witness the natural talent and skill of the ‘lock’ as he scored a superb try in a 24-11 win over Harlequins, earlier this year. A leader in the future of English Rugby, the next London Stadium Icon is Maro Itoje.

A blossoming talent and built like a machine, it hasn’t taken long for Itoje to mark himself as a main-stay to the Premiership champions, his country as well as making it to the British and Irish Lions. 

All this progress and featuring heavily at the highest level, by the tender age of 23. At a staggering 6ft 6 inches, he is a dominating presence on a Rugby field and has been ever since he debuted for Saracens in 2013. 

As Saracens have grown into a force of English and European Rugby, Itoje has been one of their catalysts. The Man-of-the-Match in their 2016 European Champions Cup triumph over Racing Metro ’92, he balances the power of a forward with the agility and pace of a back. 

The Camden-born player has made similar impressive strides in an England jersey. Made captain of the U20s in 2013, he scored a try in every 2014 U20’s Six Nations game and was named England’s Man of the Tournament. Only a year later, Itoje was training with his country for a home Rugby World Cup, his talent was spotted.

Although, his senior debut wouldn’t come until the 2016 RBS Six Nations, where he would announce himself on the national stage. Voted Man of the Match in their win over Wales, he was crucial on the way to an England ‘Grand Slam’ and kept his place for the summer series win over Australia. 

Last year, he reached the pinnacle, selection for the British and Irish Lions. He thrived under the spotlight, despite being the youngest of the 41-man squad. Starting all three tests in New Zealand, he scored one try and proved his credentials. 

There is more to Itoje than Rugby, he’s currently reading for a Politics degree at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. A man with brains and brawn.

Paul Gustard, former defence coach at Saracens, was Itoje’s mentor at the club and spoke of his tremendous qualities which forced him to elevate into the first team. 

“Physically, he’s an incredible athlete. He’s 116kg and carries that explosiveness into contact. We have had several opposition players say to us ‘this kid hits hard’,” he said.

Former Leicester Tigers player and Lions coach, Graham Rowntree says Itoje’s attitude gives his team-mates a buzz in the dressing room, 

“I can't speak highly enough of the fella — from the set-pieces to his involvement around the field. His aggression, his constant energy, the lads love that and feed off it,” said Rowntree.

“'He's a class player and he's only going to get better and better.”

With Itoje continuing to come on leaps and bounds, he will be one of the outstanding players at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. He’s shown maturity and skill beyond his years, but this would be his World Cup debut, then again if his history is anything to go by, it’s that Itoje is born to perform on the grandest stage.

Iconic.